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Chia Seed Pudding delivers a healthy dose of nutrition, including fiber, protein and omega 3 fatty acids. Great for breakfast or a snack!
Featured with this recipe
- Ingredients in Chia Seed Pudding
- Ratio of Chia Seeds to Liquid
- What is the Texture of Chia Seed Pudding?
- Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
- Chia Pudding Recipes
- Recipe Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions about Chia Seed Pudding
- More On-The-Go Breakfast Recipes
- How to Make Chia Seed Pudding
- How to Make Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Chia Seed Pudding is a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack. With a creamy consistency and toppings like fresh fruit and peanut butter, it almost feels like dessert! But, it has a great balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It is also a great gluten-free breakfast. It takes just a few minutes of hands-on time, and then sets up in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. I love to meal prep chia pudding for quick and easy meals on the go.
Ingredients in Chia Seed Pudding
A basic chia seed pudding recipe has only three ingredients!
- Chia Seeds – You can use black or white chia seeds. Some brands of chia seeds will absorb liquid faster than others.
- Liquid – The most common liquid to use for chia seed pudding is regular dairy milk. You can also use non-dairy milks like almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, and soy milk.
- Sweetener – I like to use maple syrup. However, you can use other sweeteners like honey, sugar, brown sugar, or agave.
- Jar or Bowl with Lid – Because the pudding has to set up in the fridge for a few hours, you will need a jar or bowl with a lid. Mason jars work great, or just a regular bowl covered with plastic wrap.
Ratio of Chia Seeds to Liquid
Typically, the ratio of ingredients is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and 1 teaspoon sweetener for every half cup of liquid. If you want a thicker pudding, then add more chia seeds If you want a thinner pudding, then add more liquid. You can also adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste.
What is the Texture of Chia Seed Pudding?
Chia seed pudding definitely has a unique texture. It is a bit like the consistency of tapioca pudding. When the chia seeds become wet, the outside of the seed breaks down and forms a gel-like substance. The inside of the seed, however, keeps a bit of the crunch. If you are looking for a very smooth consistency, try putting the finished pudding into a blender. Blend until smooth. This will produce more of a mousse texture.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds are often referred to as a “superfood” because they have so many functional health benefits! They are rich in omega-3s. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve heart health, lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and decrease inflammation. Chia seeds are actually the best plant-based source of omega-3s so they are great for a vegan or vegetarian diet. Chia seeds also contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein. Four tablespoons of chia seeds contains 8 grams of protein. The fiber in chia seeds, soluble fiber, can also help to lower cholesterol and aid in digestion. Also, chia seeds contain antioxidants that can reduce risk of developing certain chronic conditions.
Chia Pudding Recipes
Chia Seed Pudding is the perfect backdrop for so many yummy flavor combinations! Make a big batch, then add kiwi, strawberries, bananas, almonds, whatever you like! Try one of our suggested combinations below, or try something completely your own! If you have any favorites, then let us know in the comments!
- Very Berry – raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries
- Chunky Monkey – bananas, peanut butter, chocolate chips
- Big Red – strawberries and raspberries
- Crunchy – granola, almonds, and blueberries
- Almond Joy – coconut flakes, almonds, and chocolate chips
- Vanilla Chai – vanilla extract, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and ginger
- Pina Colada – pineapple chunks, coconut flakes
- Lemon Raspberry – lemon zest, raspberries
- Banana Nut Muffin – bananas, pecans, cinnamon
- Nuts About Berries – raspberries, blueberries, sliced almonds
- Double Chocolate Chia Pudding – cocoa powder, chocolate chips
- Tropical – mango, pineapple, banana, coconut flakes
- PB&J – peanut butter and jelly
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry – strawberries and chocolate chips
- Maple Walnut – maple syrup and walnuts
- Apple Pie – apples and cinnamon
- Pumpkin Pie – pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg
Recipe Tip
Make sure to leave your chia seed pudding out on the counter for a few minutes and give it another good stir before putting it in the refrigerator. Take a fork and whisk it really well. If you skip this step, then you might end up with crunchy clumps of seeds in your pudding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chia Seed Pudding
Chia pudding tastes like whatever sweetener you add to it. It doesn’t have a strong flavor. So, if you add maple syrup, it will taste like maple syrup!
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. If you are using any crunchy toppings like granola or nuts, then they will soften in the fridge.
Chia seed pudding will stay good in the fridge for about a week. If it gets a little thick, you can add more milk and give it a good stir before serving.
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How to Make Chia Seed Pudding
How to Make Chia Seed Pudding
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Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine the milk, chia seeds, and maple syrup in a bowl, cup, or reusable storage container. Stir well.
- Let sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes. Stir again to make sure all the clumps are broken up. Cover and put in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
- Once the seeds have softened and a gel-like substance has formed around each seed, your pudding is ready! Serve with fruit, nuts, or any other desired toppings.
Notes
- Typically, the ratio of ingredients is 2 tablespoons chia seeds and 1 teaspoon sweetener for every ½ cup liquid. If you want a thicker pudding, add more chia seeds. If you want a thinner pudding, add more liquid. You can also adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste.
This was my first time ever making chia pudding, and it turned out amazing! I’m never paying $6 for a chia pudding at the cafe ever again! Thank you 🙂
I love this for breakfast. It’s a great way to start the day off right!
Some of my kids were a little hesitant to try this, but they each added their favorite berries & loved it! They can’t wait for me to make it again!